Thus, we suppose, the case might present itself to the mind of the Ottawa Chieftain. And while such was the apparent disposition, or indifference to any disposition in particular, of the English towards the Indians,--and such the consequent liability, if not the reasonable prospect on the part of the latter, if the former should occupy Canada,--Pontiac was not likely to forget that they had conquered the French. He saw too that they were rapidly and firmly establishing their new dominion, by movements which, at all events, did not purport to promote the interest of the Indians. And he knew, no doubt,---certainly he soon ascertained,--that whereas the French of Canada and the Colonies of New-England had hitherto, by their action upon each other, left the third party in a good measure disengaged,--the new comers were themselves from Old England, if not New;--speaking the same language (and that a strange one to the natives;) subject to the same government; and ready at all times to be very conveniently supplied and supported, to an indefinite extent, by those powerful Southern Colonies which had long before destroyed or driven off the Indians from their own borders. So Pontiac reasoned; and he looked into futurity far enough to foresee that ultimate fatal result to his race, which now was the only time, if indeed there was yet time, to prevent. Immediate occasions of hostility there might be besides; but these must be the subject of mere speculation. Affections which do him honor, predisposed him to believe that the English had done injustice to his old friends the French; and the French might further endeavor to persuade him that they had also done injustice to himself. But, it was certain, "they bad treated him with neglect." And _therefore,_ following his own principle, as well as the impulse of pride, he resolved to "shut up the way." How far he succeeded, and by what means, will be our next subjects of consideration. CHAPTER VI. Pontiac's plan of campaign--He commences active preparations--Council of the Ottawas--Grand Council of the Northern tribes--Dream of the Delaware--Maxims promulgated by Pontiac--Estimate of the number and force of his allies--Commencement of the war--Surprisal of nine English posts--Mode of surprisal--Artifice adopted at Michilimackinac, and result--Reduction of Detroit undertaken by Pontiac in person--His interview with the commandant--His plan discovered, and the surprise prevented--Letter from Detroit.